Everett food pantry expected to feed hundreds of families in hard-hit pandemic areas

EVERETT, Mass. — As the unemployment rate is rising, thousands of people across Massachusetts are struggling to get food.

A local church is getting ready to distribute food to thousands of people. For one man, he recently lost his wife and he’s giving back to the community by feeding those who are losing hope during this trying time.

Less than two months ago, in the middle of the pandemic, David Garrey tells us he lost his wife Patricia Woodward. She was just 49 years old.

“She had respiratory failure. I love that woman and she is gone. We would come to this church and volunteer, and it gave us hope. Now, I want to give back” said David Garrey, a volunteer.

As he held back tears, Garrey tells us, he wants to be a role model for the community.

He’s a volunteer at Grace’s Food Pantry at First Baptist Church in Everett.

“We just try to bring some hope and happiness to people,” said Garrey.

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The church is getting ready to hand out 70,000 pounds of food to people in need. The church now turned into a food pantry with thousands of canned foods, fresh vegetables and other food necessities.

Families will be coming from Everett, Chelsea, Revere, Lynn and the Boston area.

“We have infants, pregnant people come here, family with 5/6 kids,” said Lisa Castetter, a volunteer.

While doing our interview with volunteer and councilman Frank Capone, we saw a man looking for food anywhere he can.

“What you saw is so very common, it breaks your heart,” said Frank Capone.

Inside of those boxes were corn that was near expiration date. They were left out for trash.

“I don’t know if it gets any more real than what you just saw,” said Capone.

This food will be distributed on Sunday morning. The line is usually wrapped around the block. Church leaders say this wouldn’t be possible if donations weren’t coming in from the greater area Boston food bank.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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